Glossary

Terms frequently used by FEMA. In a few instances, standard insurance industry terms have been added for additional focus and emphasis.

2 (1) | A (42) | B (22) | C (79) | D (41) | E (40) | F (74) | G (10) | H (34) | I (31) | J (5) | L (20) | M (33) | N (62) | O (22) | P (60) | R (45) | S (62) | T (21) | U (16) | V (13) | W (14) | Z (13)

General Property Form

See Standard Flood Insurance Policy–General Property Form.

Glossary Section: NFIP - National Flood Insurance Program

Government Owned Property

Property that is owned by government for reasons including foreclosure and prior ownership. This applies to governments at all levels, including local, State and Federal, and applies to single family units as well as multi-family units.

Glossary Section: NDHS - National Disaster Housing Strategy

Grade Elevation

The lowest or highest finished ground level that is immediately adjacent to the walls of the building. Use natural (pre-construction), ground level, if available, for Zone AO and Zone A (without BFE).

Glossary Section: NFIP - National Flood Insurance Program

Grant Award Notification

Official document signed by the authorized official stating the amount, the terms and conditions of an award for a discretionary grant or cooperative agreement.

Glossary Section: AFGP - Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program

Grant Programs

Programs of discretionary or formula grants and/or cooperative agreements administered by a federal agency.

Glossary Section: AFGP - Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program

Grantee

An individual or organization awarded financial assistance under one of the federal discretionary grant programs.

Glossary Section: AFGP - Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program

Group Flood Insurance

Issued by the NFIP Direct Program in response to a Presidential disaster declaration. Disaster assistance applicants, in exchange for a modest premium, receive a minimum amount of building and/or contents coverage for a 3-year policy period. An applicant may cancel the group policy at any time and secure a regular Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) through the NFIP.

Glossary Section: NFIP - National Flood Insurance Program

GSA

General Services Administration.

Glossary Section: NDRF - National Disaster Recovery Framework

Garages

Attached Garages A garage attached to a residential structure or in an enclosed area below an elevated building may have the garage floor slab below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). Because such a garage is an enclosed area below the BFE, openings are required either in the exterior walls of the garage or in the garage doors themselves.

Below-grade Parking Garages Below grade parking garages are only allowed in non-residential buildings in Zones A1-30, AE, AH, and AO and must be dry floodproofed. The construction of below grade parking garages is prohibited beneath residential buildings. Below-grade parking garages are prohibited beneath all residential and non-residential buildings in V Zones.

Detached Garages Small detached garages for residential uses may qualify as Accessory Structures under the NFIP.

National Flood Insurance Program Requirements

  • 60.3 - Flood plain management criteria for flood-prone areas
    • (a) (1) - Development Permit
    • (a) (3) - Reasonably Safe From Flooding
    • (c) (2) - A Zone Residential Buildings
    • (c) (3) - A Zone Nonresidential Buildings
    • (c) (4) - Floodproofing Certification
    • (c) (5) - Openings
Glossary Section: NFIP - National Flood Insurance Program

GETS

 Government Emergency Telecommunications Service

Glossary Section: Continuity
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